Casimir the second, King of Poland, when Prince of Sandomir, won at play
all the money of one of his nobility, the loser, who, incensed at his
ill-fortune, struck the prince a blow on the ear. The offender instantly
fled; but being pursued and taken, he was condemned to lose his head:
Casimir interposed. "I am not surprised," said the prince, "that, not
having it in his power to revenge himself on Fortune, he should attack
her favourite." He revoked the sentence, returned the nobleman his
money, and declared that he alone was faulty, as he had encouraged, by
his example, a pernicious practice, that might terminate in the ruin,
of his people.